2024 Global Women's Summit in Spain: Vietnamese women confidently integrate in Europe
WVR - The Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe not only creates a space for connection but also paves a structured path for deep and sustainable integration.
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| The Vietnamese women's delegation attending the 2024 Global Women's Summit in Spain. |
Initiated in 2023 in Hungary, the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe gathers nearly 250 delegates from 21 countries. This is the first forum dedicated to Vietnamese women abroad, formed from the initiative of passionate individuals like Dr. Phan Bich Thien, one of the few foreign women featured in the book “21st Century - The Mission of 21 Women” in Budapest.
After three years, the Forum has increasingly developed, becoming a crucial connection point for the Vietnamese women's community in Europe, promoting integration, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and enhancing the status of Vietnamese abroad.
Opening doors for connection
Vietnamese women are increasingly asserting their roles and making practical contributions to the socio-economic life in their host countries. Dr. Phan Bich Thien, Chairwoman of the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe, shared that in countries like Hungary, France, Germany, Belgium, etc., women actively participate in political-social organizations, business development, play important roles in educating the younger generation, and preserving national cultural identity. However, connection activities for Vietnamese women in Europe often occur on a small scale, within each country or within separate associations.
Recognizing the significant need for a more extensive community connection, the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe was established with the aim of organizing meetings and programs to help women grasp soft skills, understand the legal system, labor rights, and development opportunities in their residing countries. Additionally, there are online seminars with psychologists, lawyers, and educators to address practical issues faced by Vietnamese women abroad, especially in the context of globalization and digital transformation.
An important part of the Forum's activities is preserving the Vietnamese language and cultural identity in a multicultural environment. Members regularly organize cultural events, from traditional festivals, and reunification days to writing contests and art competitions for expatriate children, such as the Writing and Poetry Contest about Vietnamese Women Abroad and the Painting Contest “Vietnam Today in Children's Eyes” for international students in Hungary, “Vietnamese Ao Dai Cultural Month in Europe”, etc. Such initiatives not only spread Vietnamese values but also increase understanding and mutual respect among diverse communities.
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| Members of the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe supporting the “Adoptive Mothers” program initiated by the Vietnam Women's Union. |
Not only focusing on the local community, the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe also maintains a strong bond with their homeland through practical charitable activities such as the “Adoptive Mothers” program initiated by the Vietnam Women's Union, aimed at supporting and caring for orphans due to the pandemic and those in particularly difficult circumstances.
Through the connection of women's associations in Germany, Hungary, Poland, France, etc., many expatriate women have committed to long-term sponsorship for children in Vietnam, supporting their education and monthly living expenses, while frequently providing encouragement and moral support. Overcoming geographical distances, the “adoptive mothers” and children maintain contact through letters and online calls. This gesture not only helps share the burden with families and localities but also reflects the deep-rooted affection of Vietnamese women abroad for their homeland.
Affirming position
The year 2024 marks a new milestone for the Vietnamese women's community in Europe as, for the first time, representatives of the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe will attend the Global Women's Summit held in Spain. This prestigious event gathers female government leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, and social activists from dozens of countries, focusing on promoting gender equality and enhancing women's economic roles in the context of globalization and digital transformation.
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| Members of the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe taking photos at the Hungarian Parliament House. |
Following their presence at the 2025 Global Women's Summit in Germany, members of the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe are actively preparing for this meaningful journey at this year's event from June 4-6 in Istanbul, Turkey.
On the sidelines of this Summit, the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe will collaborate with the Vietnamese Embassy in Turkey to organize the Vietnam-Turkey Business Forum, aiming to serve as a bridge for multilateral connection activities, creating a space for businesses from both countries to directly exchange, seek partners, and sign cooperation agreements.
According to Dr. Phan Bich Thien, the event is also an opportunity to promote potential, introduce capabilities, and strengths of Vietnamese businesses, including both domestic units and those owned by Vietnamese in Europe. It is also an occasion for Vietnamese female entrepreneurs to explore and leverage Turkey's strategic position to further penetrate Vietnamese goods and services into the regional market.
Not only focusing on economic connections, the program also introduces Vietnamese culture through Ao Dai promotions and cultural performances rich in identity; conveying the image of a modern Vietnam, rich in identity, and always open to international friends.
Ms. Thien stated that since their first participation in the Global Women's Summit, the Forum has strived to assert the intelligence, courage, and position of Vietnamese women in Europe. With the reputation built, the Forum has now become an official member of this mechanism. According to her, this journey reflects the solidarity and aspiration to rise of the Vietnamese women's community in Europe during the new development phase of the country.
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| The Forum aims to expand its member network, connecting with other international women's organizations. |
The formation and effective operation of the Forum of Vietnamese Women in Europe is a testament to the strength of the overseas Vietnamese community, highlighting the role of women in modern society. Not only nurturing families, they also contribute to promoting culture, developing businesses, and strengthening Vietnam's connection with Europe.
In the future, the Forum aims to expand its member network, connect with other international women's organizations, participate more deeply in high-level forums on gender equality and sustainable development, and promote deeper integration in socio-economic fields. These activities not only enhance the voice of Vietnamese people on the international stage but also support Vietnamese women in maximizing their potential in a globalized environment.
